Big Silver (Self-released, 2001)

Big Silver, a Little Rock, Ark. quintet, have a big sound that's roots rock with a lot of power pop influence thrown in, with just enough of a southern accent to make it twang-friendly. At least their pop-rock roots are strong ones. Vocalist Isaac Alexander's own self-professed influences include Springsteen and both Elvises (Costello and Presley), and the band has previously covered tunes by Costello and David Bowie. Listening to Big Silver, one can hear influences of Marshall Crenshaw (especially on the stellar "Mallory"), The Smithereens and a little bit of Mott the Hoople.

The most country sounding tracks on the disc are a hidden track, title unknown, which sounds a bit like the Flying Burrito Brothers, and "The Silent Type," which approaches the sound of the mainstream bands of the alt.-country musical canon.

It's easy to see why Big Silver were recently voted "Best Original Band in Arkansas." Their diversity of musical influences yields a very interesting, familiar yet original sound. (5514 I St., Little Rock, AR 72205, E-Mail: bigsilvermusic@hotmail.com)